Living abroad can be a remarkable experience. From meeting new people to developing your career prospects, there are countless advantages to relocating overseas, even temporarily. However, with the good comes the bad; no worthwhile experience is without its difficulties. In fact, overcoming the various trials and tribulations of living abroad can build character, boost confidence and teach you valuable life skills. Here are some of the most common difficulties associated with living abroad and how to tackle them.
Language Barriers
Language barriers can be profoundly challenging to overcome - after all, human beings thrive on communication. Although you may have learnt a few essential words and phrases, it is always advisable to keep learning to familiarise yourself with your new country’s native language. While learning a language as an adult can be tricky, with apps and online resources such as Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, you can maximise your learning by building fluency gradually, day by day.
Culture Shock
Culture shock describes the feelings of disorientation and confusion experienced when visiting a new country and encountering a new culture for the first time. While you may have visited your new country beforehand, becoming a resident offers a profoundly different experience. Before integrating yourself into an unfamiliar culture, education is crucial. Keep an open mind and research local laws, customs and traditions. Furthermore, be patient. Anybody can experience culture shock, so give it time and consider your adventure a learning curve.
Homesickness
You are bound to feel some level of homesickness whilst living abroad. Homesickness can be unpleasant, even if it isn’t severe enough to taint your experience. You might miss your friends, family members or the culture of your home country - you may even simply feel out of place in your new location. Regular short visits back home or staying in touch with your loved ones may help with feelings of homesickness. Either way, these feelings are incredibly common among ex-pats.
Adjusting To Work Life
The work culture in your new country may be very different to that of back home. For example, some cultures have a decidedly relaxed approach to working life, while others value hard work and dedication, often to a fault. Adjusting to working life abroad can be challenging; however, remaining flexible and keeping an open mind is crucial. If you’re finding office culture in a new country too much to handle, remote work may be worth considering.
Cost Of Living Differences
Many countries are currently experiencing a cost of living crisis. While we are all having to cut back and rethink our spending habits, moving abroad can make these adjustments even more strenuous. On the other hand, you may move to a location where the price of rent, food, and household bills is considerably lower compared to your native country. For example, your new Hong Kong rent may be a fraction of the price you were paying in central London or New York.
Bureaucracy And Paperwork
There is no escaping the complexity and mundanity of ex-pat paperwork. Indeed, moving abroad comes with an extensive checklist of documents to acquire and forms to fill in before you can legally live in your new location. Make sure you’re aware of what you need and be mindful of local laws and regulations. For instance, how long will you have until your work visa or residency application requires renewal?
Long-Distance Relationships
Depending on your circumstances, your partner may be unable to accompany you to your new location. Maintaining a long-distance relationship is challenging enough when you live in the same country as your partner - even more so when you have to catch a flight to spend time with one another. That said, many couples thrive in long-distance relationships. Fortunately, thanks to the prevalence of technology, you can stay thoroughly connected with your long-distance partner via your respective smartphones.
Making Friends
The inability to form new friendships is one of the most significant issues expats face, leading to feelings of isolation and exclusion. A combination of missing friends back home and feeling unable to connect with members of your new community may cause your mental health to suffer. You can combat these issues by joining expat groups and getting involved with community projects. This experience may help you to become a stronger, more independent person. Here are some more tips for making friends as an expat.